City’s level of violence reaches heights not seen since era of drug wars

CHICAGO—Murders here surpassed the 700 mark Thursday, a somber tally not seen since the drug wars of the 1990s as the police department continues reforms aimed at regaining public trust.

Police say that 77 were killed in the month of November alone, which saw 316 shooting incidents and 389 victims. As of Dec. 1, 701 people had been murdered across Chicago, making this year the most violent since 1998.